Rep. Linda Serrato

Maddy summaryHB 313, the Digital Age Verification Act, requires device manufacturers, operating systems, and app stores to implement age verification for users. Specifically, it mandates that covered companies estimate a user's age during device setup, provide real-time age data to apps via API (categorizing users as under 13, 13-15, 16-17, or 18+), and obtain parental consent for app downloads by users under 16. The law applies to devices sold after January 1, 2026, with existing devices needing updates by April 2026. Violations would be enforced as unfair trade practices under New Mexico's consumer protection law.

Maddy summaryHB 451 creates a new misdemeanor offense for adults (18+) who intentionally expose their genital area to a child (under 18) in a private setting, defined as "indecent exposure to a child out of public view." It specifically prohibits lewd or lascivious exposure of the genital area (including penis, vagina, or surrounding areas) when the adult and child are not in a public space. The bill makes this a misdemeanor, applies retroactively to past incidents (even if statutes of limitations had expired), and defines key terms like "child" and "primary genital area." The bill was introduced in 2025 but was postponed indefinitely by the legislature in June 2025.

Maddy summarySB 189, titled "PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS ELIGIBILITY," proposed amendments to New Mexico's public assistance application and eligibility process for cash assistance and SNAP benefits. It required departments to process applications faster (e.g., expedited SNAP within 7 days), mandate resource planning sessions within 30 days, and create individual responsibility plans focused on employment goals for applicants. The bill directly affected households applying for state assistance programs, requiring them to develop work plans and comply with participation standards. However, the bill was replaced by a committee substitute and later postponed indefinitely on June 3, 2025, meaning it did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 227 amends New Mexico's Local Economic Development Act to include licensed child care facilities as eligible for state economic development incentives. Specifically, it adds "child care facility" (defined as family-home-based or center-based programs licensed by the early childhood education and care department to provide care for infants, toddlers, and children) to the list of qualifying entities. This change allows child care providers to access public support like grants, infrastructure improvements, and tax incentives previously available to entities such as cultural facilities and manufacturers. The bill directly affects licensed child care facilities across New Mexico seeking to expand or improve services through state economic development programs.

Maddy summaryHJM 9 is a procedural joint memorial requesting the New Mexico Legislative Council to create a special interim committee focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and data privacy. The committee would examine AI's impact on industries, government, and daily life - including concerns about bias, security, and workforce changes - and address New Mexico's lack of comprehensive data privacy laws. It would hold hearings, gather stakeholder input from businesses, consumers, and experts, and develop recommendations for future legislation in 2026. This bill does not create new laws but sets up a process to inform potential future regulations affecting residents, businesses, and state agencies. The committee's work would align with national trends while reflecting New Mexico's unique needs, such as its technology sector and national laboratories.

Maddy summaryThis bill would establish a New Mexico program providing partial wage replacement for eligible workers taking leave for specific reasons, including bonding with a new child (birth, adoption, or foster placement), caring for a family member with a serious health condition, taking leave for the employee's own serious health condition, military family needs related to a spouse's deployment, or protection from domestic violence. Administered by the Workforce Solutions Department, the program would be funded through a new state leave fund and cover both employees and self-employed individuals who meet eligibility criteria. It sets time limits on leave duration, excludes certain workers (such as those covered by federal railroad laws), and preempts other similar local programs. The bill defines "family member" broadly to include domestic partners and other close relationships, ensuring coverage for diverse household situations.

Maddy summaryHB 461 would require New Mexico health insurers to establish a process allowing qualified health care professionals (like doctors and specialists) to bypass prior authorization for outpatient services. To qualify, a professional must have at least 90% of their prior authorization requests approved in the previous six-month period (an "evaluation period"). Insurers must grant exemptions within 10 business days if criteria are met, and can only rescind exemptions after reviewing a random sample of 5-20 claims and providing 25 days' notice, unless fraud or abuse is suspected. Health care professionals denied or having exemptions rescinded can request an independent review by a licensed physician within 30 days, with insurers covering review costs.

Maddy summaryHB 228 limits local government restrictions on battery-powered security fences with alarm systems outside exclusively residential zones. It prohibits counties and municipalities from banning these fences, imposing extra safety requirements beyond national standards, or requiring additional permits beyond standard alarm permits. The bill specifies technical requirements, including a maximum 12-volt battery, 5-foot non-electric perimeter fencing, 30-foot warning signs reading "WARNING: ELECTRIC FENCE," and height limits. This directly affects property owners (e.g., businesses, mixed-use properties) seeking to install such security systems in non-residential areas, while leaving residential zoning rules unchanged.

Maddy summaryHB 37 appropriates $250,000 from New Mexico's general fund to New Mexico Highlands University's board of regents for a feasibility study on potentially acquiring the privately owned Star Axis sculptural observatory in San Miguel County. The study would assess costs for public access upgrades, long-term operations, educational partnerships with colleges, and creating a state land art tourism network. The bill, which was postponed indefinitely in June 2025, does not authorize acquisition but only examines the possibility through a study. It directly affects state budget resources and the observatory's future status, with funds expiring unused by 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 401 would create legal liability for nonconsensual sharing of AI-generated images, videos, or audio that falsely depicts a person engaging in conduct they did not perform, with intent to cause harm. It allows affected individuals (the "depicted person") to sue creators or platforms for such dissemination, excluding text-based AI content. The law applies to generative AI systems and large online platforms (over 100,000 New Mexico users), with specific defenses for journalism, medical contexts, or commercial use with prior consent.